With gas prices soaring, what are others doing to reduce the use of gas? I have cut way back on driving places. I make a circle of my errands I have to run. I try not to back track at all. I have emptied my trunk of everything. Even my spare tire, I know that sounds a little crazy, but I have roadside assistance and they can tow me to the nearest repair shop and I can get the spare to them. I am making an effort to park in spaces that don't require me to "back out" of them. I can simply put forward and drive off. I try not to go below 3/4 of a tank of gas. Then it does not hurt quite so much when I gas up. I have been averaging about 25 mpg in my car. But I hope to do better by using these tactics. So what are others doing? I don't work out of the home so I maybe able to use just one tank of gas a month. I have to take DH to the VA clinic that is 50 miles one way about once every other month. I have to do everything I can to save on this expense!
JONNIE from Utica
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I use half a tank of middle grade gas mixed with the lower price when traveling a far distance and leave earlier and drive slower.
Also, buying gas when it's early of a morning or late at night and the middle of the week. Seems like gas prices are raised toward the weekend in our area and having a large gas can or two on hand to keep filled helps a little bit. At the time it seems like a lot to buy, but when you have to pay higher prices for a fill up, that's when the cost cutter idea kicks in and is appreciated. Short trips to town are cut down as I wait until there are several errands to run and then decide which places in order of saving gas and it also helps the wear and tear on the vehicle. I have a car that is economical on miles per gallon of gas and that helps.
I drive about 400 miles a week. We live out in the sticks, and trust me, I have to make my mileage last. Maybe not so much mileage, but to save on cost. I fill up at half tank. People are right, gas prices are outrageous. I drive as close to a circle as I can, but that is not always possible. So, for errands I have to run (shopping, bill paying, etc) I try to make them as close to the appts as I can. Both in date, and in area. I also stay home when I am not driving, meaning, I don't do much 'pleasure driving'.
Tune ups, check tire inflation, basic at home maintenance, and good old common logic also help.
check gasbuddies.com for your area for the some of the lowest gas prices near your home
I've heard that the speeds you drive and how fast you accelerate after a stop has a significant impact on your gas mileage. In my state the speed limit is 75 on the interstate and most everyone drives 80+. This kills your gas mileage. Between 55-65 is ideal.
Also, don't "gun it" after a stop sign or stop light. These quick accelerations are hard on gas. Instead accelerate smoothly and evenly after a stop. I'm 27 yrs old and have been driving like this for as long as I can remember. I don't care that people behind me are in such a hurry that they have to "gun it" only to end up with me at the next stop light.
Also, I just read that using cruise control on the highways or interstates also lead to better gas mileage than if you were to not use it in those instances. Sounds like you are already doing a lot of smart things -- good luck!
Regarding the use of A/C, recent research shows that at speeds above about 40-50 mph it is actually cheaper to run the A/C with the windows up because of decreased wind resistance. There are a bunch of web sites documenting that.
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Does anyone have any ideas the best ways to get better mileage on my car? Gas prices are killing me. - Aggie
Don't turn on your A/C but use your outside air. You also save gas if you stay in the low miles per hour when driving. When you take off do not do the jack rabbit start but go off slow and easy. How really to save gas is to car pool, take a bus or other public service or ride a bike. All the above will help you improve your gas mileage in your car.- Richard, State of Florida. (05/31/2001)
By ThriftyFun
With soaring gas prices, this is a great resource. Just type in your zip code and find the gas stations with the cheapest prices. - Carolyn (05/31/2001)
By ThriftyFun
Keep your car tuned up for best performance, organize your trips to accomplish other things along the way and know where the cheaper gas stations are usually off the main roads. (05/31/2001)
By Syd Barr
Gas prices continue to be high, so here are a few more tips on getting better mileage.
Make sure your tires are not under-inflated. Some people like to slightly under-inflate; they feel that it makes the tread last longer. But under-inflated tires make more contact with the road, producing more friction, which takes a bit away from mileage.
Keep your car cleaned out. If you haul around stuff you don't need, it makes your car heavier. It has been pointed out that jack-rabbit starts rob you of good mileage. The same is true of abrupt stops. I start slowing a good bit before I need to turn, and the moment I see a red or yellow traffic light ahead. I start by easing off the gas pedal, and I then just tap the brake pedal. I ease gradually to a stop or to a speed low enough for my turn.
Don't speed. 55 saves lives, as the public service announcement said, and it also saves gas. - Rose B, mother of three, in NC(08/27/2001)
Maybe I can help. I have 15 years in the energy saving industry. For eight years being the CEO of Better Covers of Bristol. Since coming here to Texas I have taken an agency distributorship with EnergyCel. I love the product because its so simple and works in reducing fuel use by up to and above 30%. Lower emissions and many other great advantages. Have a look at the Web page http://www.myenergycel.com Or send me an E.mail dragonsnest (at) wt (dot) net Best wishes Roy. (10/19/2004)
By Poy
Check out this site www.myenergycel.com/1900
Increases MPG, HP & Torque and reduces emissions. Works on any vehicle. Email: energyceltm@msn.com (04/13/2005)
By Bill
Acetone! look it up. (11/15/2007)
